A brief History of Ranchero Village

Today, as you come into our park, you will see well-kept streets, cared-for lawns, mature palms, live oaks, citrus trees, flowering shrubs and blooming plants. Our hall is an impressive southwestern design with plantings, a flower bed and a gazebo in it's yard. Many of the trees were placed in memory of former residents.

When, in 1980, Walter Piper, Leonard Reeves, Ed Lampman and Bill Davis purchased the 50 acres that is now our park, it was a cabbage patch with a small recreation hall in the middle of it. The water, sewer and electric lines were laid out and installed. Roads were laid out and our smaller recreation hall, swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi were installed. A shuffle court was built and the park started to come together. Later, Mark Becker also became an owner. Scott and Todd Piper are also owners. Scott is the General Manager of the Texas Parks including ours.

In 1982 there were 75 mobiles in the park. The big hall had not been started yet. There were orange trees between the Village Circle homes and the swimming pool. A few chip monks, wild rabbits, and an occasional jackrabbit were our wildlife. Green jays and ground wrens were present. We have always had grackles, cat birds, sparrows and occasionally parrots and chachalacas. Robins spend a couple of weeks here in February on their migration.

Park activities were arts & crafts, bingo, breakfasts & suppers, cards, exercises, golf, pattern & square dancing, pool and shuffleboard. The big hall was finished in time for Christmas in 1983. The stage was used for the first time on New Year's Eve. Through the years, the stage has served as a setting for many musicians and other entertainment shows. The park activities have also increased to include dances, ceramics, church services, wood carving, jam sessions, and many other things.

Another hall was built in the RV area which included laundry, bathrooms and showers. Our RV residents remain an important and most welcome part of all park functions and facilities. We look forward to the return of all our Winter Texans and friends, as family!

Ranchero Village Circle Club was formed to promote social and recreational activities, promote the welfare of the members and promote friendly relations among the members, management and ownership of Ranchero Village. Terry Maruska, serves as their current President, and they meet semi-monthly (during the season) to report to the members on all matters of concern or interest to the members, and to address new issues.

A non-denominational church was started in 1983, with Rev. James Todd as pastor and church attendance increased from 50 to 200. It is now served by Chaplain Bob Ostermaier and continuing to grow under his anointed leadership. Residents of other parks, also come to join our services during the season. As there is little church expense, much of the proceeds of the church go to help needy children in the area with pajamas and other gifts at Christmas time.

A favorite sport of our park is shuffling. Our park has hosted many shuffling tournaments on our 24 courts, including one of the largest which was the Carl's tourney, with 900 participants from the valley...

Golf has become a strong interest among the residents of Ranchero Village as the park has grown. Today, men, women and mixed leagues play at several of the local golf courses. There are also Billiard tournaments with a very good showing here at Ranchero Village.

Our knitters & quilters make hats and blankets for the newborn at the hospital and birthing center. We have well-attended flea markets and craft shows twice a year. The park provides Halloween treats for the children of the community each year.

Today there are 401 mobile home spaces and 149 RV spaces. The park sees around 90-95 percent occupancy during the busy season of mid October through mid March. There are several of the original residents from 1980-81 still residing in the park and we are pleased they find this such an enjoyable place to live. If you are 55+ years old and are looking for a friendly, active home environment to put down roots, Ranchero Village still has room for you!!!